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Air Masses
Students examine the physical characteristics of several types of air masses to discover how air masses can be identified and defined by their temperature and moisture content.
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Mystery Polymers
Middle schoolers examine how some natural substances are polymers. In this polymer lesson students complete a lab and give examples of a physical change.
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To Float or Not to Float - A Lesson on Density
Pupils define density in their own words. In this physics lesson, students calculate density using mass and volume. They explain why some objects sink and some float.
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Invisible Investigations
Students simulate how charged particles move in a particle detector. In this physics lesson, students observe how iron filings behave when magnetic marbles are passed underneath them. They record and draw their observations.
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Molecules
Young scholars combine movement with science in this fun integrated lesson. When students are "liquid" they can "melt" or "ooze" at the end and when they are are "solids" they can "freeze" in a shape.
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Wh0-o-o-o's Out There?
Fifth graders describe the physical features of an owl and identify survival adaptations. They Investigate an owl's niche in an ecosystem. The students participate in an interactive puzzle on the internet that helps for motivation.
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So You Want to Buy a Painting
Twelfth graders research physical and chemical methods used in authenticating paintings (e.g., ultraviolet fluorescence and spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and reflectography, X-ray diffraction, microscopy, pigment analysis, and gas...
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Particles & Accelerators
Young scholars discover the basic information about particles and accelerators. They examine a diagram with particles that describes their masses and charges. They research the history of physics from the time of the Greeks.
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Density, Iron, and Anemia
Students explain what factors determine density. In this physics lesson, students hypothesize which objects are less dense. They cite the importance of density in everyday life.
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Estuarine Habitats
Sixth graders study the important habitats, flora, fauna, and physical factors of coastal habitats. They compare the aquatic habitats to terrestrial habitats by researching and completing tables with the information.
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Sink or Swim
Students define density and explain how to determine the density of an object. Students participate in a demonstration that shows the differences in the densities of different liquids and how they affect the liquid's physical properties.
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Properties and Behavior of Waves
Young scholars explore the different properties of waves. In this physics lesson, students differentiate mechanical and electromagnetic waves. They explore each lab station and write their observation about the wave behavior they see.
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Water and Ice
Students explore what happens to water as it goes from solid to liquid and back. In this state of matter lesson, students observe, measure, and describe water as it changes state.
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Hot Air Balloon Design Lesson Plan
Sixth graders discuss what they know and what they want to know about hot air balloon using a KWL chart. They then use a wide array of materials to design a hot air balloon that will lift successfully in cooperative groups referring to...
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Photovoltaics and Solar Energy
Students experiment with photovoltaic cells and determine the energy use of their appliances. In this renewable energy lesson plan, students calculate the energy emitted by a photovoltaic cell through an inquiry-based lab. They keep...
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Radioactivity Experiments
Students study the difference between types of ionizing radiation and how elements are transmuted. They determine that radiation is normal and surrounds us. They calculate the amounts of alpha, beta and gamma radiation emitted from a...
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Energy Motion in the Ocean
Students explore the wave energy that is generated and transferred in the ocean. Through the use video and the Internet, students explore the aspects of a wave and how its energy affects the ecology of the seashore.
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Online Exploration: Telescopes From the Ground Up
Young scholars explore a web-based illustrated text and interactive graphics to determine the relationship between the operation of telescopes and light. optics. They work in small groups to become an expert on one of the ten eras of...
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The Elements
Young scholars watch video, The Elements, research information about elements using both the Internet and CD-ROM program, and create atoms out of gumdrops and licorice.
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Global Warming: Life in a Greenhouse
Students examine the evidence that scientists have used to support the existence of global warming and the greenhouse effect. How the concepts have been developed and evaluated form the focus of this lesson.
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Ziplock Chemistry
Students investigate various chemical reactions when creating mixtures in ziplock baggies. In this chemistry lesson, students will recognize various chemical reactions and cite evidence. Safety and assessment strategies are included in...
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Flambe Elements
Eighth graders discuss atoms and electrons as well as atoic structure. They view atomic structure via the computer. Students watch a demonstration in which the teacher demonstrates glass tubing turning yellow in a Bunsen Burner flame....
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Improving the Building Envelope System
Students explain the different heat transfer mechanisms and how they influence the building envelope. They develop ways in which the building envelope can be improved and test hypotheses about building envelope designs.
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Improving the HVAC System
Students describe the components of an HVAC system and determine which factors influence how efficient the system can be. They work together to develop hypotheses about the systems and their cost effectiveness and efficiency.